Show cause served to IAS officer in Jharkhand over Facebook post

Jharkhand on Monday sent a show cause notice to senior bureaucrat Vandana Dadel for her Facebook post, in which she questioned the government’s action against forceful conversion of tribals in the state.

Vandana Dadel questioned the Jharkhand government’s action against forceful conversion of tribals in the state.(HT Photo)

Jharkhand on Monday sent a show cause notice to senior bureaucrat Vandana Dadel for her Facebook post, in which she questioned the government’s action against forceful conversion of tribals in the state.

Chief minister Raghubar Das has been speaking on the issue of forceful conversion of tribals at government and party events for nearly a week now. During gram sabha meetings in Pakur and Dumka on October 19 and 20 respectively, Das said those found converting tribals forcefully will be severely dealt with.

His remarks have drawn flak from different corners of society. Dadel too had raised her voice, taking to Facebook to question whether tribals had no right to choose their religion. “Why all of a sudden have people started thinking about the religion of tribals? The fact is that the society is suffering from many other serious issues like malnutrition, illiteracy, unemployment,” she wrote.

However, the officer’s post has provoked the ire of the government. In its notice, the government has sought a reply from Dadel asking why action should not be taken against her for violating services conduct rule. She has been given 15 days’ time to submit her reply.

“Dadel was issued the notice for violating the All India Services (Conduct) Rules-3 and 7, which prevent officials from indulging in political activities and criticising the government,” secretary (personnel, administrative reforms and Rajbhasa) Nidhi Khare told Hindustan Times.

“I will submit the reply after studying the show cause notice. Whatever was posted on the Facebook was clear and unambiguous,” Dadel said.

Meanwhile, Das, amid controversy over missionary activities in the state, has ordered a CID investigation after state intelligence found dubious financial deals by at least 106 Christian-affiliated NGOs, sources said.

The funds ‘diverted’ under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act are estimated to be Rs 310 crore, according to a special branch report. A bulk of the money meant for education and improvement of the poor, especially nature-worshipping tribals who form 26% of the state’s 3.29-crore population, was used for conversions through force and allurements, it added.